A SUB-postmaster claims he is being “treated like a criminal” after a woman running an outreach service for him stole £9,000.

Kulwant Nijjer says while he is the victim of crime, Post Office bosses want him to make up the loss. He fears it could make him bankrupt, and he may have to give up providing a service to a large rural area. Mr Nijjer runs Newtown Post Office with outreach services at Trefeglwys, Berriew, Abermule and Carno.

In April, Elizabeth Porter , 29, who with her husband ran the outreach sub post office at Trefeglwys near Llanidloes, admitted theft.

Porter of The Red Lion, Trefeglwys, received a 36-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to do 200 hours unpaid work.

Yesterday she was in court for a financial hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Judge Dafydd Hughes ruled her benefit was £9,182. She had no money and a nominal £5 confiscation order was made. The prosecution can apply for more if she comes into funds in future.

Prosecuting barrister Caroline Harris said Mr Nijjer was being pursued by the Post Office for the money Porter had taken, and she applied for compensation on his behalf.

The judge said regrettably he could not make such an order although he had “every possible sympathy” for the position Mr Nijjer was in.

Mr Nijjer said later he was a victim of crime yet PO bosses wanted to hold him responsible.

“They said I owed more than £9,000 and wanted to know how I was going to pay it. I have told them I didn’t steal it and they should go after the person who did. How do they expect me to pay?”

“I would ask the Post Office to think again,” he said. “The stress they are causing is terrible.”

A Post Office spokesman said last night: “We have established procedures in place to address any contractual issues. Whilst we can’t comment on individual cases we always ensure such issues are resolved in line with these arrangements.”